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Home Discussion Forum Episodes Forte or For-tay: Is Pronunciation Your Strong Suit? (minicast)

 

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Forte or For-tay: Is Pronunciation Your Strong Suit? (minicast)
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2:46PM
Jun-25-10


Grant Barrett

San Diego, California

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How do you pronounce this word that means someone's "strong suit"? And what does it have to do with fencing?

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9:58AM
Jun-26-10


torpeau

Left coast of FL

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I listened to the podcast. This is one of three words that an English teacher in high school made a point about proper pronunciation.

1. forte — I pronounce as fort, but generally avoid using the word — especially w/ strangers. Not wise to correct others as Grant pointed out.

2. precedence — the teacher said it is pre-SEE-dence — not like the plural of precedent.

3. clique — the teacher said kleek — not click.

Sounds like these "proper" pronunciations are being overwhelmed — language changes.

1:43PM
Jun-29-10


telemath

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My main goal in almost every speaking environment is to be clearly understood. Often, that involves tailoring my language to my listeners. I would say "fort-ay", not because it's right but because I'm more likely to be understood if I say it that way.
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